Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Carnage

Manuel Verdesoto at Least Thirteenth Senior Killed in NYC Traffic in 2013

A man struck by a driver in the southeast Bronx on Wednesday was at least the thirteenth senior killed in city traffic this year.

Manuel Verdesoto, 82, was struck by Nabaali Cletus as Verdesoto crossed White Plains Road at Watson Avenue at around 7:20 p.m., according to reports.

Verdesoto died at Jacobi Hospital. A photo from the scene indicates that he was thrown into the windshield with tremendous force.

Deputy Inspector Russell J. Green is the commanding officer of the 43rd Precinct, where at least six pedestrians have died in traffic since January 2012, and where officers ticket a driver for speeding once every two days.
Deputy Inspector Russell J. Green is the commanding officer of the 43rd Precinct, where at least six pedestrians have died in traffic since January 2012, and where officers ticket a driver for speeding once every two days.

Police said Cletus, 46, had a fake New York State photo ID and no drivers license. He was charged with possession of a forged instrument and driving without a license. Cletus was not charged for killing Verdesoto.

The crash occurred in the City Council district represented by Annabel Palma, and in the 43rd Precinct. At least four pedestrians died in this district and precinct in 2012, according to crash data compiled by Streetsblog, and Verdesoto is at least the second pedestrian killed there this year. Some council districts and precincts saw more pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, but six is among the highest death tolls since January 2012. Among the victims are another senior, Roberto Baez, and a 2-year-old boy.

The 43rd Precinct issued 161 speeding tickets in 2012, an average of one every two days.

To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Deputy Inspector Russell J. Green, the commanding officer of the 43rd Precinct, go to the next precinct community council meeting. The 43rd Precinct council meetings happen at 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the precinct, 900 Fteley Avenue. Call 718-542-6325 for information.

To encourage Palma to take action to improve street safety in her district and citywide, contact her at 718-792-1140 or apalma@council.nyc.gov.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

New Bill Would Block Apps From Deactivating Workers Without Cause

A Brooklyn Council member wants delivery app companies to be more human and less robot.

July 18, 2025

Friday Video: Is Berlin a Great Biking City?

Have recent moves by anti-bike, pro-car legislators ruined the experience in the capital of a unified Germany? Sort of!

July 18, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Meeker Avenue Bike Lane Is a Failure

The Department of Transportation still hasn't finished a critical bike lane under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that the agency has been stalling for over four years even after identifying the strip's danger and lack of proper signals.

July 18, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Cuomo’s Road Rage Edition

Why does Andrew Cuomo drive so recklessly? Plus other news.

July 18, 2025

Fixing Third Ave. Was Once ‘Top of List’ For Eric Adams — But as Mayor He Backed Off

Mayor Adams has delayed a redesign of Brooklyn's Third Avenue despite once saying safety fixes there should be "at the top of our list."

July 17, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Jerry Nadler Edition

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler faced off with Sean Duffy on Capitol Hill. Plus more news.

July 17, 2025
See all posts